Are You a Smile Makeover Candidate?
Most people are eligible for a smile makeover. Since a smile makeover can include a variety of cosmetic dental procedures and treatments, eligibility depends in part on what your treatment plan entails. Your oral health, medical history, and lifestyle habits also contribute to which procedures would meet your cosmetic goals and produce long-lasting results.
If you’d like to consult with an experienced dentist about your smile makeover candidacy, contact our Brooklyn Heights, NY, office. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus and Dr. Lisa Reid at Brooklyn Heights Dental® precisely customize each cosmetic treatment plan.
Basic Requirements for a Smile Makeover
The first and primary concern is the state of your oral health. Issues like tooth decay, dental infections, and gum disease must be addressed before cosmetic dentistry is performed.
In addition to purely cosmetic treatments, cosmetic restorations, such as porcelain crowns or dental implants, can be part of a smile makeover plan. Restorative dentistry will address cosmetic concerns, while correcting oral health and functional issues.
Candidacy for Specific Cosmetic Treatments
Let’s look at some of the most common smile makeover treatments to learn how eligibility is partially dependent on what procedures can accomplish.
Teeth Whitening
A bold, bright smile makes a person appear healthy, young, and attractive. Chemical teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental treatment. It can be performed in the office, with a system like Zoom, or at home with a professional-strength whitening kit.
Chemical teeth whitening will not completely eliminate tooth stains caused by:
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Blood inside a tooth, from trauma
- Fluorosis stains (will be less noticeable after whitening)
Chemical teeth whitening will resolve topical enamel stains from:
- Tobacco use
- Coffee, tea, and wine
- Staining foods
- Age
For patients who don’t qualify for teeth whitening, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding make good alternatives. These treatments cover the surface of a front tooth with a natural-looking restoration.
Invisalign Clear Orthodontic Aligners
Clear, removable Invisalign® aligners straighten teeth primarily for cosmetic results. Treatment takes about 12 to 18 months. So, patients must have the time and desire to invest in Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is available for teenagers and adults. Children under 12 do not qualify.
While Invisalign can correct some bite issues, traditional braces may be the best option for patients with complex malocclusion. A healthy bite is an important part of the strong oral health foundation necessary for a lasting smile makeover.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are usually adhered to front teeth. Veneers cover only the front surface of a tooth, so they cannot replace dental crowns, which cover all visible surfaces of a tooth.
Furthermore, veneers don’t stain like natural tooth enamel, so if veneers are on your radar, consider teeth whitening first. A preliminary whitening treatment will ensure that all of your teeth, natural and veneered, are their brightest.
Affordable Treatment for All Budgets
A beautiful smile will give you confidence and improve the first impression you make on people at work, in social settings, and in the romance department. We don’t want finances to interfere with your smile makeover. We offer financing options, including CareCredit®.
Find Out Whether You’re a Smile Makeover Candidate
One simple cosmetic consultation at Brooklyn Heights Smiles will provide answers to all your questions about a smile makeover. Give us a call today at (718) 857-6639 or message us through our website.